We're using less water than in 1974

SYDNEYSIDERS, take a bow - you're using less water now than you
did way back in 1974 despite a booming population.

Startling new Sydney Water figures show its customers - the
people of Sydney, the Illawarra and Blue Mountains - have had
amazing success at cutting their water use, despite a population
increase of 1.2 million.

In 1974, daily use per person was 464 litres. In 2006-07, it was
328litres.

In 2006-07, Sydney Water supplied households and businesses with
510billion litres, ninebillion litres less than it supplied in
1974.

Water Utilities Minister Nathan Rees praised the efforts of
residents who have taken water conservation so seriously.

"We're using the same amount of water as we did a generation ago
and that's testament to Sydneysiders' water awareness and
sensitivity," Mr Rees said.

"There's been a major turnaround in the last 10 years from
people thinking restrictions were an impost to people being very
aware and supportive.

"Residents and businesses in greater Sydney have responded
magnificently to the need to conserve water."

Pennant Hills man Emra Aydin has embraced the water-wise message
- he's got a water tank, uses buckets to collect excess rainwater
and his garden features plants that suit a dry climate. Succulents,
citrus trees, hibiscus and olive trees are among the newer plants
that populate his backyard, where he uses a watering can.

Mr Rees said Sydney Water's spending on water conservation and
recycling schemes during 2006-07 had increased by $30million.

"Sydney Water's water conservation strategy is one of the
largest and most comprehensive in the world - and Sydneysiders are
among the best water savers in Australia," Mr Rees said.

"The record $83 million spent on water conservation and
recycling schemes in 2006-07 saved about 57 billion litres for the
year - around 10percent of Sydney's total water demand."

He said the residential water efficiency program WaterFix and
free DIY water-saving kits had saved 9.6 billion litres.

1198778767616-smh.com.auhttp://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/were-using-less-water-than-in-1974/2007/12/29/1198778767616.htmlsmh.com.auThe Sun-Herald2007-12-30We're using less water than in 1974Lisa CartySpecialsEnvironmenthttp://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/12/29/th_tap_thumb_index-thumb__60x40.jpg